First impression ALWAYS most important

We have all heard the old saying "you never get a second chance to make a first impression." When you hear that saying you are probably thinking of things like "how do I dress for an interview" or "should I arrive 10 minutes ahead of time for my scheduled interview".....I would argue that your first impression starts long before the interview. Your first impression starts with your cell phone voicemail greeting.

I would have to say as a recruiter my biggest pet peeve EVER is no voice mail greeting. I reach out to dozens of candidates in a weeks time and the largest majority of those calls are to a recorded message "your call has been forwarded to an automatic voice messaging system ........."

This first impression is not the one that you want to leave. When I dial a number and get the computer generated voice these thoughts flash through my mind -- Did I dial the correct number? Why wouldn't someone take 2-3 minutes to set up a personalized voice message? Am I SURE I dialed the correct number (now I have to go into my phone's sent log to double check that I DID dial the correct number). These frustrated thoughts are quickly followed by...if I leave this person a voice mail (since they haven't bothered to even set up a personalized voice message) will they even listen to the message?

So what should your voice message say:

1. Make it short and to the point
2. Of course, remember to say your name
3. Make sure you are in a quiet place
4. Be cheerful, friendly - this is the first impression people will have of you
5. (potential script) Hi, this is Shelia Arnett. I am sorry that I missed your call. Please leave your name, number and time you called and I will get back with you shortly.